Water issues focus of upcoming Eagle Lake Rice Field Day

EAGLE LAKE – The 31st annual Rice Field Day will begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Eagle Lake Research Station. Scientists from Texas A&M University and U.S. Department of Agriculture will be on hand with information on the newest developments in production technology.

It is free of charge and the public is invited. Activities will begin with a tour of the research plots. Talks will include management techniques for the ratoon crop, aerial applications of Command herbicide, insect pests in both main and ratoon crops, and information on Icon seed treatment alternatives.

Fertility requirements and ratoon potential of conventional and hybrid varieties also will be covered.

An evening meal, courtesy of BU Growers, will begin at 6:30 p.m. The evening program will feature state Rep. Robby Cook, D-Eagle Lake, with an update on important water issues and legislation.

Other topics for the evening will include land-leveling ideas and options to make Environmental Quality Incentives Program funding more beneficial and an update on the rice supply and production stock levels.

Throughout the field day producers will have opportunities to ask questions of scientists conducting research at the Eagle Lake Station.